For twenty years, media personality Sarah Fraser has made a name for herself with her bold, hilarious, and totally unfiltered takes on everything from pop culture to parenting, life's messy struggles, and surviving the chaos of Hollywood. On her hit daily show, The Sarah Fraser Show, Sarah dives into the wildest corners of celebrity culture, interviewing and dissecting the most outrageous reality stars and offbeat personalities from Bravo, Sister Wives, 90 Day Fiance, and beyond. Nothing is off-limits, and you never know what’s coming next—but with Sarah, it’s guaranteed to be unforgettable. For advertising or collabs, reach out to thesarahfrasershow@gmail.com
What if networking were as simple and seamless as electricity? Scott Kinka sits down with Meter CEO and co-founder Anil Varanasi to talk about how Meter is revolutionizing connectivity—offering end-to-end networking with custom-built hardware, software, and simple pricing by square footage. They dive into Anil’s startup journey, their bold partnership with Microsoft, and how AI, leadership, and customer obsession are shaping the future of infrastructure. Meter provides internet infrastructure for businesses. Headquartered in San Francisco, it was founded in 2015 to build enterprise-grade networks that are faster, more accessible, and more secure. Its full-stack approach combines hardware, software, and operations so that any company can seamlessly run on a reliable and modern network. Meter believes the internet is a fundamental utility that businesses should be able to turn on as easily as water and electricity. Topics discussed in this episode ● Anil’s entrepreneurial journey, including early startup challenges and self-funding before raising capital. ● The problems with networking and what Meter does differently. ● Meter’s unique pricing and utility-based model. ● The partnership with Microsoft. ● Short and long-term perspectives on AI and the future. About Anil Varanasi Anil Varanasi is the CEO of Meter, a company that provides internet infrastructure for businesses. He co-founded the company with his brother, Sunil, in 2015. Meter’s full-stack approach combines hardware, software, and operations to provide enterprise-grade networks that are faster, more accessible, and more secure to customers across industries including Brex, Higher Ground Education, Stord, and Tishman Speyer. Anil is also a member of the board of The Roots of Progress, a nonprofit dedicated to establishing a new philosophy of progress for the 21st century. He graduated from George Mason University with degrees in both economics and computer networking. Contact Anil Web. http://www.meter.com LinkedIn (Business). https://www.linkedin.com/company/meter-com/ LinkedIn (Personal). https://www.linkedin.com/in/anilcv/ Twitter. https://x.com/meter
What if networking were as simple and seamless as electricity? Scott Kinka sits down with Meter CEO and co-founder Anil Varanasi to talk about how Meter is revolutionizing connectivity—offering end-to-end networking with custom-built hardware, software, and simple pricing by square footage. They dive into Anil’s startup journey, their bold partnership with Microsoft, and how AI, leadership, and customer obsession are shaping the future of infrastructure. Meter provides internet infrastructure for businesses. Headquartered in San Francisco, it was founded in 2015 to build enterprise-grade networks that are faster, more accessible, and more secure. Its full-stack approach combines hardware, software, and operations so that any company can seamlessly run on a reliable and modern network. Meter believes the internet is a fundamental utility that businesses should be able to turn on as easily as water and electricity. Topics discussed in this episode ● Anil’s entrepreneurial journey, including early startup challenges and self-funding before raising capital. ● The problems with networking and what Meter does differently. ● Meter’s unique pricing and utility-based model. ● The partnership with Microsoft. ● Short and long-term perspectives on AI and the future. About Anil Varanasi Anil Varanasi is the CEO of Meter, a company that provides internet infrastructure for businesses. He co-founded the company with his brother, Sunil, in 2015. Meter’s full-stack approach combines hardware, software, and operations to provide enterprise-grade networks that are faster, more accessible, and more secure to customers across industries including Brex, Higher Ground Education, Stord, and Tishman Speyer. Anil is also a member of the board of The Roots of Progress, a nonprofit dedicated to establishing a new philosophy of progress for the 21st century. He graduated from George Mason University with degrees in both economics and computer networking. Contact Anil Web. http://www.meter.com LinkedIn (Business). https://www.linkedin.com/company/meter-com/ LinkedIn (Personal). https://www.linkedin.com/in/anilcv/ Twitter. https://x.com/meter
In this episode of The Bridgecast , host Scott Kinka sits down with Mark Tina , Head of Indirect Distribution at Verizon Business , about Verizon’s journey from telecom giant to tech solutions powerhouse. They discuss democratizing AI for small businesses, enhancing cybersecurity, and integrating tools like Microsoft Teams for seamless mobile communication. With practical tips for business leaders and insights from Mark’s 22-year career, this episode reveals how Verizon is helping companies thrive in an increasingly digital, hybrid work environment. What you will learn: Verizon’s evolution from "the phone company" to a full-service technology solutions provider Why AI adoption among SMBs has doubled, and how to implement practical AI solutions for small businesses The critical importance of employee cybersecurity training How to rationalize post-pandemic communications investments Why career longevity at major tech companies requires viewing positions as careers How enterprise providers help customers balance security, connectivity, and collaboration needs in a hybrid work environment The "Be Where Your Feet Are" principle for maintaining focus and presence in both business and personal life How to leverage partnerships between major platforms like Microsoft Teams and carrier networks for seamless communication Mark Tina is the Channel Chief and Vice President of Indirect Partner Sales at Verizon Business, leading national channel strategy and driving profitable growth with a sharp focus on customer experience. With nearly 25 years of sales and leadership experience, Mark oversees five key sales outlets and a team of 700+. He previously led a 1,000+ person B2B sales organization, accelerating SMB recovery through Verizon’s 5G and connectivity solutions. A co-creator of Verizon’s LEAD Together mentorship program, Mark holds an MBA from Iona College and serves as Executive Sponsor of VALOR, supporting Verizon’s military employee community. Episode Highlights: 06:30 Verizon's Evolution from Phone Company to Technology Solutions Provider Mark explains how Verizon has transformed from a traditional telecommunications provider into a comprehensive technology company delivering end-to-end services. This evolution reflects the changing needs of modern businesses seeking integrated solutions for connectivity, security, and digital transformation. The company now provides everything from broadband and mobility to cybersecurity and AI-powered business tools, addressing the full spectrum of enterprise technology requirements. Verizon's approach combines foundational network capabilities with advanced services like software-as-a-service solutions and comprehensive security offerings. For IT leaders, this transformation represents an opportunity to consolidate vendors while accessing cutting-edge capabilities through a trusted partner. 09:00 Democratizing AI for Small Business Success Verizon's approach to AI implementation focuses on making enterprise-grade capabilities accessible to small and medium businesses. The company has developed practical AI applications like customer service automation and business intelligence tools that can be quickly deployed without extensive technical expertise. Their AI assistant for small businesses demonstrates how complex technology can be simplified for practical daily use, such as managing customer inquiries and operations. Verizon provides both the technology and the implementation support, helping businesses properly configure and maintain their AI solutions. This comprehensive approach enables smaller organizations to compete effectively using the same technological advantages as larger enterprises. 14:50 Comprehensive Cybersecurity Strategy Verizon's cybersecurity approach combines employee training, technical solutions, and continuous monitoring to create a robust security posture. Their strategy includes regular phishing tests, security awareness training, and detailed reporting to identify and address vulnerabilities. The company leverages its network expertise to deliver integrated security solutions that protect infrastructure and endpoints. Through partnerships with companies like Accenture and their security research published in the DBIR, Verizon helps organizations stay ahead of evolving threats. This multi-layered approach ensures businesses can maintain strong security while adapting to changing work environments. 25:16 "Be Where Your Feet Are" Leadership Philosophy This principle emphasizes the importance of full engagement and presence in both professional and personal contexts. Leaders can improve their effectiveness by focusing entirely on the current task or interaction rather than allowing distractions to divide their attention. This approach leads to better decision-making, stronger relationships, and more productive outcomes in all areas of life. The practice requires conscious effort but yields significant benefits regarding work quality and personal satisfaction. For technology leaders managing multiple priorities, this mindset helps maintain focus and drive better results. Episode Resources: Mark Tina on LinkedIn Verizon Business Website Scott Kinka on LinkedIn The Bridgecast on Apple Podcasts The Bridgecast on Spotify The Bridgecast on YouTube…
What if you could transform your customer experience while leveraging the power of AI and video? In this episode of The Bridgecast , host Scott Kinka and David McAbee sit down with Zoom’s CX team of Sean Fair and Shana Hafterson to explore Zoom’s transformation into a full-scale customer experience platform. They dive into how AI, video support, and unified communication tools are helping businesses cut resolution times by 50%, improve agent performance, and modernize contact centers. Get practical insights into the future of CX and what it takes to implement these technologies successfully. What you will learn: How Zoom's pivot from meetings to voice to CX reflects changing customer engagement needs How video integration in customer support can reduce resolution times by up to 50% How AI-powered agent assistance reduces training time while improving efficiency How self-service capabilities are transforming customer support Why companies are increasingly seeking unified UCaaS and CCaaS solutions How Zoom's proven scalability and reliability translate to enterprise CX deployments Generational preferences: self-service vs. human support Why service partner expertise is crucial for successful CX implementations Sean Fair is Head of CX Sales and GTM at Zoom, bringing over 25 years of experience in unified communications and contact center technology. Sean has previously held leadership positions at Mitel and ShoreTel and played a pivotal role in scaling Zoom's phone division to 7 million subscribers before leading their contact center initiatives. He specializes in talent acquisition and team development, having built successful leadership teams across Zoom's Phone and Contact Center divisions. Shana Hafterson is Head of Americas CX Channel at Zoom, bringing extensive experience from previous roles at Five9 and other leading CX technology providers. She specializes in helping organizations bridge the gap between employee and customer experience through innovative technology solutions. Her expertise in channel development and understanding of CX market dynamics provides a valuable perspective on the evolution of customer service technology and implementation strategies. Episode Resources: Sean Fair on LinkedIn Shana Hafterson on LinkedIn Zoom Communication Website Scott Kinka on LinkedIn David McAbee on LinkedIn The Bridgecast on Apple Podcasts The Bridgecast on Spotify The Bridgecast on YouTube Previous Zoom episodes: Building Your Personal Brand in the Era of Virtual Meetings with Zoom’s Patrick Kelley The Collaboration Technology Evolution with Graeme Geddes of Zoom Earn Your Employee’s Commute with Zoom’s Gary Sorrentino Building a Smarter AI Enterprise Strategy: Live from NJ SIM Previous episode with David McAbee: The Business Process Outsourcing Model with David McAbee Books mentioned in the episode: The War of Art…
In this episode of The Bridgecast , host Scott Kinka sits down with Tim Sanders , AI Evangelist and VP of Research Insights at G2 , to explore how leaders can approach AI as a human-first strategy rather than just a tech trend. From building organizational AI literacy to embracing optionality and leading with empathy, Tim shares a roadmap for thoughtful, effective AI adoption. If you’re a tech leader looking to innovate without losing the human touch, this conversation is your next must-listen. What you will learn: How to develop AI literacy across your organization Why viewing business challenges as prediction problems unlocks AI's true potential The "Optionality Framework" for making reversible strategic decisions in uncertain times How to shift from managing inputs (hours worked) to measuring outcomes Why focusing on workflows is the key to successful AI implementation The 30% Rule for business leaders: master the economics and applications of AI How to build trust in AI adoption The critical balance between human relationships and leveraging AI capabilities How to avoid the "get some AI" trap Tim Sanders is the VP of Research Insights at G2 and an Executive Fellow at Harvard Business School, where he collaborates with the Digital Data Design Institute. A former Chief Solutions Officer at Yahoo, Tim is also a New York Times bestselling author of five books, including Love is the Killer App and Dealstorming . A sought-after keynote speaker, he specializes in leadership, AI, innovation, and digital transformation. Tim champions human-centered leadership rooted in knowledge, compassion, and connection. His mission: help leaders reimagine work, scale innovation, and lead with love. Learn more at timsanders.com . Episode Resources: Tim Sanders on LinkedIn Tim Sanders Website G2 Website Scott Kinka on LinkedIn The Bridgecast on Apple Podcasts The Bridgecast on Spotify The Bridgecast on YouTube…
In this special live episode of The Bridgecast recorded at the NJ SIM (Society for Information Management) event, Scott Kinka moderates a panel of thought leaders to unpack enterprise-level AI adoption and challenges. The panel highlights real-world use cases in healthcare, insurance, and contact centers where AI is driving measurable efficiency, cost savings, and improved customer experience. The panel featured: · Gary Sorrentino, Global CIO of Zoom · Yalim Eristiren, Managing Director at SESTEK North America · Jim Marron, AI Sales Director at Talkdesk Topics discussed in this episode: · The hype vs. reality of AI trends, including generative AI, agentic AI, and predictive AI. · Significant concerns around use case readiness, data quality and AI governance. · The confusion around deploying AI before understanding the problem it should solve. · How many businesses are missing the foundation for meaningful ROI? The growing need for trusted advisors, internal alignment with line-of-business leaders, AI literacy, and microlearning to upskill teams. About Gary Sorrentino Gary Sorrentino serves as Zoom’s Global CIO, after spending over two years as our Global Deputy CIO. A former Managing Director for J.P. Morgan Asset & Wealth Management, Gary was the Global Head of Client Cyber Awareness and Education. For over 12 years, Gary was the Chief Technology Officer for J.P. Morgan AWM’s global technology infrastructure initiatives, where he managed its Data Privacy program and was responsible for Infrastructure, Application and End User Technology Production Support. In 2014, he assumed a new role as the lead for their Cybersecurity efforts and developed a firm wide “Protect the Client” Cyber program designed to raise cybersecurity awareness among employees and clients. With almost 40 years of experience in Information Technology, Gary has served in various other IT leadership positions in firms across the financial services industry. Prior to joining J.P. Morgan in 2005, Gary was Head of Global Infrastructure and Head of Technology Efficiencies at Citi Private Bank, where he was responsible for Global Infrastructure Support and strategic technology initiatives. Other roles he has held include Global Technology CFO at Credit Suisse and North America IT Controller at UBS. Contact Gary LinkedIn. https://www.linkedin.com/in/garysorrentino/ LinkedIn. https://www.linkedin.com/company/zoom/ Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/zoom/ Insta. https://www.instagram.com/zoom/ Twitter. https://x.com/Zoom About Jim Marron Jim is a Regional AI Sales Director based in Chicago, IL, with over 10 years in software and more than four years in the AI space. He specializes in helping enterprises adopt and scale conversational AI to improve customer engagement, operational efficiency, and business outcomes. With a deep understanding of AI-driven transformation, he works closely with technology leaders to navigate the evolving landscape of AI, automation, and digital innovation. Contact Jim LinkedIn. https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-marron-sells-software/ Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/Talkdesk/ Insta. https://www.instagram.com/talkdesk/ Web. https://www.talkdesk.com/ About Yalim Eristiren Yalim Eristiren has earned a reputation as a dynamic and accomplished business development leader with expertise in building strategies to deliver technology solutions and drive new revenue. His progressive experience has led to resounding success across his 25+ year career, including attainments and promotions with Intel and Siemens. Easily able to move from high-level planning to face-to-face relationship building, he ensures that companies and clients enjoy the best possible results. Between 2018 and 2019, Yalim joined Vera Venture as a Member of Technology Investment Committee, where he orchestrated investment strategies and decisions for a burgeoning company. This involved building out an initial deal flow and screening startups in the areas of blockchain, AI, IoT, and Martech. Earlier in his career, Yalim earned numerous promotions during a storied tenure with Intel (2005 – 2018), where he rose to the position of Country Lead (Turkey, 2017 – 2018). Using unique approaches and exceptional team leadership, he secured multimillion-dollar opportunities in a highly competitive industry. He was also selected to represent Intel at high-profile events around digital transformation, smart cities, and other emerging technologies as spokesperson and keynote speaker, leading to his reputation as a thought leader in the industry. Among his peers, Yalim is known for his high business acumen, innovative problem-solving, understanding of enterprise, telecom, cloud, education markets and ISVs, and tireless work ethic. Bolstering these achievements are Yalim’s exemplary educational qualifications. These include an Executive Master of Business Administration from Bogazici University, and a Master of Science in Power Electronics (Electrical & Electronics Engineering) from METU. In his free time, he enjoys playing guitar, scuba diving and hiking. Contact Yalim LinkedIn. https://www.linkedin.com/in/yalimeristiren/ Web. https://www.sestek.com/…
What if networking were as simple and seamless as electricity? Scott Kinka sits down with Meter CEO and co-founder Anil Varanasi to talk about how Meter is revolutionizing connectivity—offering end-to-end networking with custom-built hardware, software, and simple pricing by square footage. They dive into Anil’s startup journey, their bold partnership with Microsoft, and how AI, leadership, and customer obsession are shaping the future of infrastructure. Meter provides internet infrastructure for businesses. Headquartered in San Francisco, it was founded in 2015 to build enterprise-grade networks that are faster, more accessible, and more secure. Its full-stack approach combines hardware, software, and operations so that any company can seamlessly run on a reliable and modern network. Meter believes the internet is a fundamental utility that businesses should be able to turn on as easily as water and electricity. Topics discussed in this episode ● Anil’s entrepreneurial journey, including early startup challenges and self-funding before raising capital. ● The problems with networking and what Meter does differently. ● Meter’s unique pricing and utility-based model. ● The partnership with Microsoft. ● Short and long-term perspectives on AI and the future. About Anil Varanasi Anil Varanasi is the CEO of Meter, a company that provides internet infrastructure for businesses. He co-founded the company with his brother, Sunil, in 2015. Meter’s full-stack approach combines hardware, software, and operations to provide enterprise-grade networks that are faster, more accessible, and more secure to customers across industries including Brex, Higher Ground Education, Stord, and Tishman Speyer. Anil is also a member of the board of The Roots of Progress, a nonprofit dedicated to establishing a new philosophy of progress for the 21st century. He graduated from George Mason University with degrees in both economics and computer networking. Contact Anil Web. http://www.meter.com LinkedIn (Business). https://www.linkedin.com/company/meter-com/ LinkedIn (Personal). https://www.linkedin.com/in/anilcv/ Twitter. https://x.com/meter…
In this episode of the Bridgecast, host Scott Kinka sits down with Jasmina Mueller and Brad Dupree to discuss the charitable organization Tech4Change. This organization brings together technology leaders to raise funds for various grassroots charities. During their discussion, they explore the mission behind Tech4Change and the fundraising strategies used, sharing impactful stories from their events. The conversation emphasizes the importance of community engagement and the potential for technology professionals to make a difference through charitable work. Tech4Change is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization composed of technology suppliers and channel partners who dedicate time and resources to aid grassroots charities across the U.S. Since its inception in 2014, Tech4Change has raised more than $1.25 million for local grassroots charities that are often overlooked and underfunded. Through event-based fundraising, Tech4Change provides game-changing donations that go directly to the cause rather than administrative costs. Topics discussed in this episode: · Background on Tech4Change · The types of charities supported by Tech4Change · How Tech4Change does their fundraising · Milestones Tech4Change has achieved - How being a 100% volunteer-run organization maximizes direct impact. - Notable contributions made by Tech4Change Previous Granite Episodes Using AI at Scale with Adam Weiner of Granite - https://bridgepointetechnologies.com/podcast-episodes/ai-at-scale/ The Bridge Podcast with Mark Palmer of Granite - https://bridgepointetechnologies.com/podcast-episodes/the-bridge-podcast-mark-palmer-granite/ About Tech4Change In the tech channel, we work hard, play hard and, for the most part, earn a good living. Some of us donate time, but more often than not, we write a check to a charity and move on. While those one-off donations help, what could we do if we work together to raise money for a cause? It turns out that we can do a lot! Over the past nine years, we’ve raised more than $1.25 million for grassroots organizations through Tech4Change. In 2023 and beyond, we plan to make a bigger impact with more fundraising events in partnership with industry publishers, event organizers, technology distributors and other organizations that support community-based charitable groups. Tech4Change is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization composed of technology suppliers and channel partners that dedicate time and resources to aid grassroots charities across the U.S. Since our inception in 2014, we’ve raised more than $1.25 million for local grassroots charities that are often overlooked and underfunded. Through event-based fundraising, Tech4Change provides game-changing donations that go directly to the cause rather than administrative costs. Web. https://tech4change.org/ LinkedIn. https://www.linkedin.com/company/telecom-for-change/ Donate. https://bit.ly/3Fo2DJn About Brad Dupee President Head of National Channel Sales, Granite I am the Head of National Channel Sales and Development at Granite, a leading provider of managed network services and solutions for large multi-location businesses. In this role, I lead the strategy and execution of the national B2B partner program, which accounts for approximately 25% of the company's revenue and 50% of the company's new revenue. With more than 25 years of channel sales experience, I have built and managed global alliances, integrations, and ecosystems with technology leaders, system integrators, resellers, VARs, agents, and managed service providers across various industries and markets. I am also passionate about leveraging technology for social impact and innovation. I serve as the President of Tech4Change, a nonprofit organization that supports grassroots charities across the U.S. with technology solutions and fundraising that has raised over $1.25 million for local causes since 2014. As a technology entrepreneur, I have founded and co-founded four start-ups and three corporate ventures, raising capital and developing go-to-market strategies for SaaS, PaaS, API, and cloud applications. I thrive on creating value, building relationships, and solving problems with a collaborative and entrepreneurial mindset. LinkedIn. https://www.linkedin.com/in/dupee/ About Jasmina Muller Vice President Chief Ecosystem Officer, Titan Cloud Storage, Inc Leadership Executive: Dynamic and award-winning channel partner sales leader with over 25 years of experience driving revenue growth, building high-performing teams, and delivering exceptional partner program results in the software and telecom industries. Recognized for developing innovative channel strategies that surpass targets and foster sustainable partnerships. Known for driving operational excellence, cultivating trust, and delivering measurable outcomes. I have achieved significant industry recognition, including 2023 and 2022 Channel Chief awards, 2022 Circle of Excellence Honoree, and multiple Channel Futures DE&I honoree awards. I support organizations that give back to the community and promote DEI efforts, volunteering my time with board seats on Tech4Change, The Alliance of Channel Women, AchieveUnite and a founding member of the Los Angeles flagship location of Chief. My motto is: "Sell the Problem you solve, not the product!" LinkedIn. https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasminamuller/…
Can AI make business communication smarter and sales more human? Scott Kinka and Mike Kane from Dialpad break down the future of AI-driven conversations, tech partnerships, and the power of emotional intelligence in sales. They cover Dialpad’s AI-driven growth, the role of emotional intelligence in sales, and how AI is reshaping customer interactions, security, and global tech partnerships. Tune in for insights on leveraging AI for smarter, more effective communication. D ialpad is the leading AI-Powered Customer Intelligence Platform that completely transforms how the world works with one beautiful workspace that seamlessly combines the most advanced AI Contact Center, AI Sales, AI Voice, and Ai Meetings with AI Messaging. Over 30,000 innovative brands and millions of people use Dialpad to unlock productivity, collaboration, and customer satisfaction with real-time Ai insights. Topics discussed in this episode on the future of communication: · How AI is transforming customer communications, but focusing on specific use cases is essential. · The case for private LLMs for businesses and why the customization of AI models is essential. · Use cases for AI in the sales process to enhance productivity and coaching. · Why emotional intelligence is a key strength for sales leaders, aiding in understanding customer needs. · The importance of adapting to different cultural contexts in business. Previous Dialpad episodes The Bridgecast Live: Reimagining the Customer and Employee Relationship (Part Two) The Bridgecast Live: Reimagining the Customer and Employee Relationship (Part One) Is this How the World Will End or How Smarter Business Begins? A Practical Discussion about AI (Part 2) Is this How the World Will End or How Smarter Business Begins? A Practical Discussion about AI (Part 1) BOOK: Amp It Up: Leading for Hypergrowth by Raising Expectations, Increasing Urgency, and Elevating Intensity 1st Edition by Frank Slootman About Mike Kane Mike Kane is SVP of Global Channel Sales at Dialpad and has built the organization's channel team from the group up since joining in 2017. Bringing more than two decades of experience in channel and sales to his role, Mike evolved Dialpad into a channel-first company and has maintained the channel as a leading revenue driver for the company. Mike is responsible for all channel go-to-market strategy, enablement, qualified pipeline and revenues across North America, EMEA and APAC. Prior to Dialpad, Mike was the catalyst for the implementation of the channel model in Silicon Valley at large, educating about and driving channel model adoption for companies like DocuSign, Okta, and Box. Contact Mike LinkedIn. https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-kane22/ Web. https://www.dialpad.com/…
Sometimes, we think that new tech can solve old problems. For instance, can AI help employees be better at processes that don't exist? This is just one of the questions we tackle on this episode of The Bridgecast. In this conclusion to The Bridgecast’s 2024 Year-End series, Scott and Gene discuss key industry trends, reflections on the past year, and predictions for the future. The conversation highlights AI adoption challenges, the importance of human oversight in AI-driven processes, and the evolving nature of IT strategy. Topics discussed in this episode: • How IT budgets are increasing, but organizations must focus on efficiency in non-investment areas to balance spending. Human oversight is critical in AI processes to guide decision-making and ensure ethical and accurate outcomes. Why imagination and creativity remain uniquely human qualities. How demonstrating ROI in small, measurable AI projects can build executive confidence. Why leadership involves humility and recognizing the contributions of all team members to success. About Scott Kinka This is a SPECIAL EDITION of the Bridgecast with Scott Kinka. Over the last 12 months and 25 episodes, Scott has gotten the opportunity to ask some of the best minds in technology a plethora of questions, including “what is your favorite app” and “what book is on your nightstand?”. In addition, he’s gotten some shameless predictions from all of these interviews. Well, on this episode, we get to ask the same questions of Scott. Producer Gene Volpe asks Scott all of the tough questions and has him look back on his favorite moments from our episodes so far. This one was an ode to 2024 while looking forward to 2025. We hope that you enjoy this interesting look into the Chief Strategy Officer of Bridgepointe Technologies and tech evangelist, Scott Kinka. Contact Scott Web. https://www.thebridgecast.net/ LinkedIn. https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottkinka/…
According to Sun Tzu, energy without strategy is chaos. This sentiment has never been more appropriate today, particularly concerning IT strategy and discussions around AI. In this year-end episode of The Bridgecast, Scott reflects on a monumental year for Bridgepointe Technologies and the broader IT industry. The conversation explores key themes that dominated the year, including AI governance and its impact on business strategy, the evolving role of IT leaders, and lessons from C-suite executives featured on the podcast. Topics discussed in this episode: · Why AI governance and regulation are essential to prevent PR disasters. · How IT leaders must anticipate objections and prepare for questions. · Why cybersecurity is most vulnerable at the human level. · Why generative AI can only deliver value if informed by accurate, clean data. · How IT’s role has evolved post-pandemic. · Why historical frameworks are still relevant for navigating modern tech adoption and strategy. Why collaboration tools like Microsoft Copilot bring immense potential but require careful planning. ABOUT OUR HOST SCOTT KINKA This is a SPECIAL EDITION of the Bridge Podcast with Scott Kinka. Over the last 12 months and 30+ episodes, Scott has gotten the opportunity to ask some of the best minds in technology a plethora of questions, including “what is your favorite app” and “what book is on your nightstand?”. In addition, he’s gotten some shameless predictions from all of these interviews. Well, on this episode, we get to ask the same questions of Scott. Producer Gene Volpe gets the opportunity to ask Scott all of the tough questions and have Scott dig back on his favorite moments from our episodes so far. This one was an ode to 2023 while looking forward to 2024. We hope that you enjoy this interesting look into the Chief Strategy Officer of Bridgepointe Technologies and tech evangelist, Scott Kinka. CONTACT SCOTT Web . LinkedIn .…
Sports are a profoundly human experience—emotional, visceral, and passionately followed. While AI won’t replace athletes anytime soon, it’s increasingly shaping how fans engage with their favorite teams. In this episode of The Bridgecast, Scott Kinka sits down with Doug Kramon, Head of Customer Care and Fan Support at ESPN, to explore the evolving role of AI in sports customer experience. They discuss how generative AI plays a role in CX transformation and fan support, the power of emotional connections in customer care, and the challenges of balancing automation with human-centric service. Doug also shares insights on leadership, the impact of big data on AI-driven insights, and the importance of curiosity and storytelling in professional growth. Tune in for a fascinating look at the intersection of sports, technology, and fan engagement. ESPN is the leading multiplatform sports entertainment brand that features seven U.S. television networks, the leading sports app, direct-to-consumer ESPN+, leading social and digital platforms, ESPN.com, ESPN Audio, endeavors on every continent worldwide, and more. Topics covered in this episode: • Why understanding different fan needs is crucial for effective support. • How generative AI can support CX transformation but not replace human interaction. • Why the evolution of customer experience is driven by technology. • How AI can handle routine tasks, freeing humans from complex interactions. • Why building relationships with partners is key to success in customer care. • How the sports fan’s story is central to enhancing their experience. • Why curiosity and storytelling are vital for continuous learning. • How summarization tools can save agents valuable time and significantly enhance customer service efficiency. • Why big data is essential for actionable AI insights. • How catharsis scoring helps identify customer sentiment changes. • Why generative AI must be integrated with existing tech stacks. • Why bundle confusion in streaming services remains a challenge. • How work-life balance is crucial for employee satisfaction and open communication fosters a healthy workplace culture. ESPN Customer Experience (CX) Case Study https://bridgepointetechnologies.com/espn/ About Douglas Kramon Douglas Kramon leads Customer Care and Fan Support at ESPN. This includes a fan base of tens of millions of rabid sports content consumers! He oversees all fan support initiatives at ESPN, focusing on the fans in the stands, suits in the suites and everything in between. He provides consumers of ESPN content the tools to experience an exceptional journey in their ESPN fandom! Contact Douglas LinkedIn. https://www.linkedin.com/in/douglaskramon/ Web. http://espn.com…
A new year often means resolutions and plans for your business. And for 2025, one of those plans is likely focused on literally and figuratively getting your arms around your AI strategy. Making effective use of AI in 2025 means rewinding one whole hype cycle to the early 2020s to big data. That's the last big story we were all talking about. Organization, accuracy, availability, and, of course, security of your data are the essential building blocks for you to build a language model that is serviceable and accurate for your business. It's the core of your AI strategy. In this episode of The Bridge, Scott interviews Duane Barnes, president of RapidScale. RapidScale is owned by Cox (yes, that Cox), and we understand why Duane believes that nine out of every ten of you are not prepared for AI — but you can be! It won't take a massive budget, nor will it be a multi-year project, but it will take understanding where you are. During the conversation, they explore RapidScale’s mission to simplify IT for businesses, the current state of AI in the hype cycle, and the challenges companies face in leveraging AI effectively. Duane shares insights on customer engagement, real-world AI applications, and the importance of having a clear strategy when implementing AI tools like Co-Pilot. They also delve into the critical aspects of AI governance, the importance of data management and having quality data, strategic approaches to AI adoption, and with the risks associated with AI usage in businesses, emphasizing the need for proper governance policies and the potential consequences of data leaks. RapidScale is the managed cloud partner that turns technology into your biggest competitive advantage. Their comprehensive portfolio of private and public cloud solutions is tailored to your needs and backed by one of the deepest benches of certified experts in the industry. They make innovation easy by bringing you the latest solutions to keep your technology platforms responsive and delivering the consistent results your business deserves. Topics discussed in this episode on AI strategy: · Duane’s journey into technology. · Why AI is still in the hype cycle, with many companies exploring its potential. · Why AI adoption requires a cultural shift within organizations and data organization is crucial for leveraging AI effectively. · How can real-world AI applications significantly improve efficiency, and why is prompt engineering essential for practical AI tool usage? · Why data privacy is crucial when using AI applications and the risks when data management is neglected in AI strategies - the importance of data accuracy cannot be overstated. · How starting small with AI projects can lead to success. · Why do companies need to connect AI tools to their existing data for maximum benefit? · Internal policies are necessary to protect sensitive data when using AI. Businesses often lack governance steps for AI. · The impact of AI tools on employees and customers - many employees use AI tools without understanding the risks, and most customers lack a fully formed idea for AI implementation. Why governance policies should be more than just compliance. About Duane Barnes Duane Barnes is an accomplished senior executive with a distinguished career spanning over two decades in the cloud and managed services business. He currently holds the position of President of RapidScale, a Cox Business Company, encompassing the acquisitions of RapidScale and Logicworks. Having joined RapidScale in 2016 as head of the Solutions Engineering group, Mr. Barnes swiftly rose through the ranks, demonstrating exceptional leadership and strategic acumen. His tenure saw him assume pivotal roles such as Senior Vice President of Technology and interim Chief Technology Officer, before eventually being appointed Chief Operating Officer in June 2020. Subsequently, he assumed his current role as President, where he directs a multifaceted portfolio encompassing Operations, Technology, Product Management, Cybersecurity, Sales, Marketing, and Finance. Mr. Barnes' extensive expertise extends across diverse domains within IT, with a particular emphasis on enterprise data centers and managed cloud services. Prior to his tenure at RapidScale, he held key leadership positions at organizations such as Intelisys, Open-Xchange, Windstream, and The Walt Disney Company, building a solid foundation in complex technology solutions and managed services projects. His breadth of knowledge encompasses private and public cloud computing, cybersecurity, and professional services. Complementing his wealth of experience, Mr. Barnes holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Communications from the University of Phoenix. His unwavering commitment to excellence and proven track record make him a highly respected leader in the field of technology and business management. Contact Duane LinkedIn. https://www.linkedin.com/in/duanebarnes/ Web. https://rapidscale.net/about/leadership#duane-barnes Twitter/X. https://x.com/duanebarnes…
How is AI transforming IT leadership? AI solves no problems by itself. But with the proper workflows and systems around it, it drives real-world ROI. Rather than replacing humans, it can enable the next level of cross-functional collaboration. The panel explored AI's role in transforming business processes and IT leadership in part two of the 2024 Bridgepoint Tech Summit episode of The Bridgecast. The discussion focuses on AI’s potential to enhance human performance, streamline workflows, and enable cross-functional collaboration within organizations. The panel emphasizes that effective AI adoption requires alignment across stakeholders and robust governance policies to mitigate risks like bias and inaccuracy. Our discussion panel included: · Nick Slater, Chief Revenue Officer, Dialpad · Milind Pansare, Vice President of Product Marketing, Observe AI · Shawn O’Connell, Vice President of Global AI Sales, Talkdesk · Kristy Thomas, Senior Vice President of Global Channels and Alliances, Vonag e Topics discussed in this episode: · Why AI should enhance human performance rather than replace it. · How companies must align cross-functional stakeholders to drive successful AI adoption. · Why governance and readiness are crucial before implementing AI solutions. · How AI-driven tools can streamline workflows and improve employee productivity. · Why knowledge repositories and accurate data are essential for effective AI integration. · Why personalization and human interaction remain critical for customer satisfaction. How industry-specific AI applications are gaining traction, with contact centers being a major area of focus. 2024 Live at Tech Summit's Episode Links: 2024 Tech Summit Live Episode Part I 2023 Live at Tech Summit's Episode Links: 2023 Tech Summit Live Episode Part I 2023 Tech Summit Live Episode Part 2 ABOUT THE PANEL Nick Slater, Dialpad CRO I am an experienced sales and operations leader with a track record of delivering consistent revenue growth, exceeding targets, improving sales productivity and developing top-tier technology sales and support teams. I have built several global teams from ideation to scale that have sold and supported hundreds of millions of dollars in ongoing revenues. My previous sales and operations teams built the strategy, charter and infrastructure to take an organization from ~$25M in annual revenues to over $800M in 9 years. We effectively scaled a 100 employee “startup” business unit to a 1,500 employee global leader in the space. I have a servant leadership philosophy revolving around hiring incredibly passionate, determined and intelligent individuals and providing them with the guidance, resources and autonomy to showcase their abilities most effectively. This has resulted in some of the lowest employee attrition and highest employee trust and engagement scores in my organizations. Web. https://www.dialpad.com/ LinkedIn. https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-slater-41113a10/ Shawn O'Connell, Talkdesk Vice President Global AI Sales Innovative Leader in AI Sales Shawn O'Connell is a distinguished sales executive with extensive experience in AI and technology. As the Vice President of Global AI Sales at Talkdesk, he leads worldwide sales strategies for the Ascend AI Platform. Previously, as SVP of North America Sales at Yellow.ai, Shawn was the driver behind significantly expanded market presence. At Celonis, he played a key role in scaling the Western US HiTech vertical. His tenure at Salesforce was marked by consistent revenue growth and market expansion across Enterprise and Strategic Accounts. Shawn has also excelled in roles at BMC Software, Trace3, and EMC Corporation, building high-performing teams and delivering exceptional results. Shawn is renowned for his strategic vision and commitment to innovation and growth in the technology industry Web. http://www.talkdesk.com LinkedIn. https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawn-o-connell-17a27a32/ Milind Pansare, Observe.AI Vice President Product Marketing Milind Pansare has led marketing and software engineering teams at startups and Silicon Valley icons for 30 years. When not immersed in tech, he grows grapes, makes wine, and prays for snow. Web. https://www.observe.ai/ LinkedIn. https://www.linkedin.com/in/milindpansare/ Kristy Thomas, Vonage Senior VP of Global Channel and Alliances With an unwavering passion for technology and telecommunications, Kristy Thomas is a seasoned expert in driving organizational success. Equipped with extensive knowledge and experience, she empowers businesses to navigate the dynamic technology landscape with confidence. 🚀 Future-Ready Solutions: As a forward-thinking strategist, Kristy is dedicated to helping businesses leverage cutting-edge technologies for operational efficiencies and agility gains. She possesses an innate ability to identify opportunities that drive growth and foster innovation. 💼 Customer-Centric Approach: With a relentless focus on customer experience, Kristy ensures that organizations gain a competitive edge by delivering exceptional service. She understands the power of building strong customer relationships and guides companies in creating meaningful connections. 🔧 Operational Excellence: Armed with her expertise in operations management, Kristy streamlines processes, enhances productivity, and optimizes performance. Her insights enable organizations to adapt swiftly to market changes while maximizing their resources. ✨ Transforming Possibilities into Reality: Known for her visionary mindset, Kristy excels at translating complex technologies into tangible business solutions. She empowers teams to embrace change, embrace innovation, and stay ahead of the curve in this fast-paced digital era. Web. https://www.vonage.com/ LinkedIn. https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristy-thomas-bb004a29/…
Is your business experiencing AI fatigue? Right now, AI is all anyone is talking about…but too many conversations are about tech and innovation when they should be about getting measurable outcomes. In this live episode of The Bridgecast, recorded at the Bridgepointe Tech Summit 2024, we sat down with thought leaders from Dialpad, Observe AI, Talkdesk, and Vonage so they could share some timely insights on how companies are cutting through the AI hype and making it work. We talk about how AI is transforming customer and employee experiences with some real-life success stories, practical applications and ROI-driven use cases. Plus, this conversation dives into the AI hype cycle and the challenges of AI fatigue. Topics discussed in this episode: • Why AI adoption must be tied to clear ROI metrics to overcome fatigue and skepticism. • Customer experience (CX) is often the entry point for businesses starting their AI journey. • Why companies should prioritize readiness assessments to identify meaningful use cases for AI. • How employee experience enhancements, such as automating routine tasks, provide significant ROI. • Why effective AI implementation requires aligning tools across platforms like Salesforce. • Why is generative AI’s role in transcription, data insights, and automation pivotal for efficiency? • How storytelling around ROI is essential to gaining buy-in from stakeholders. 2023 Live at Tech Summit's Episode Links: 2023 Tech Summit Live Episode Part I https://bridgepointetechnologies.com/artificial-intelligence-debate/ 2023 Tech Summit Live Episode Part 2 https://bridgepointetechnologies.com/questions-about-artificial-intelligence/ ABOUT THE PANEL Nick Slater, Dialpad CRO I am an experienced sales and operations leader with a track record of delivering consistent revenue growth, exceeding targets, improving sales productivity and developing top-tier technology sales and support teams. I have built several global teams from ideation to scale that have sold and supported hundreds of millions of dollars in ongoing revenues. My previous sales and operations teams built the strategy, charter and infrastructure to take an organization from ~$25M in annual revenues to over $800M in 9 years. We effectively scaled a 100 employee “startup” business unit to a 1,500 employee global leader in the space. I have a servant leadership philosophy revolving around hiring incredibly passionate, determined and intelligent individuals and providing them with the guidance, resources and autonomy to showcase their abilities most effectively. This has resulted in some of the lowest employee attrition and highest employee trust and engagement scores in my organizations. Web. https://www.dialpad.com/ LinkedIn. https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-slater-41113a10/ Shawn O'Connell, Talkdesk Vice President Global AI Sales Innovative Leader in AI Sales Shawn O'Connell is a distinguished sales executive with extensive experience in AI and technology. As the Vice President of Global AI Sales at Talkdesk, he leads worldwide sales strategies for the Ascend AI Platform. Previously, as SVP of North America Sales at Yellow.ai, Shawn was the driver behind significantly expanded market presence. At Celonis, he played a key role in scaling the Western US HiTech vertical. His tenure at Salesforce was marked by consistent revenue growth and market expansion across Enterprise and Strategic Accounts. Shawn has also excelled in roles at BMC Software, Trace3, and EMC Corporation, building high-performing teams and delivering exceptional results. Shawn is renowned for his strategic vision and commitment to innovation and growth in the technology industry Web. http://www.talkdesk.com LinkedIn. https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawn-o-connell-17a27a32/ Milind Pansare, Observe.AI Vice President Product Marketing Milind Pansare has led marketing and software engineering teams at startups and Silicon Valley icons for 30 years. When not immersed in tech, he grows grapes, makes wine, and prays for snow. Web. https://www.observe.ai/ LinkedIn. https://www.linkedin.com/in/milindpansare/ Kristy Thomas, Vonage Senior VP of Global Channel and Alliances With an unwavering passion for technology and telecommunications, Kristy Thomas is a seasoned expert in driving organizational success. Equipped with extensive knowledge and experience, she empowers businesses to navigate the dynamic technology landscape with confidence. 🚀 Future-Ready Solutions: As a forward-thinking strategist, Kristy is dedicated to helping businesses leverage cutting-edge technologies for operational efficiencies and agility gains. She possesses an innate ability to identify opportunities that drive growth and foster innovation. 💼 Customer-Centric Approach: With a relentless focus on customer experience, Kristy ensures that organizations gain a competitive edge by delivering exceptional service. She understands the power of building strong customer relationships and guides companies in creating meaningful connections. 🔧 Operational Excellence: Armed with her expertise in operations management, Kristy streamlines processes, enhances productivity, and optimizes performance. Her insights enable organizations to adapt swiftly to market changes while maximizing their resources. ✨ Transforming Possibilities into Reality: Known for her visionary mindset, Kristy excels at translating complex technologies into tangible business solutions. She empowers teams to embrace change, embrace innovation, and stay ahead of the curve in this fast-paced digital era. Web. https://www.vonage.com/ LinkedIn. https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristy-thomas-bb004a29/…
There are five generations in the workforce today, and every one speaks, communicates, and collaborates differently. You have to meet them all where they are—generally in their homes behind screens. While your personal brand used to be based on how you interacted with people in the real world, now, what happens on screen is your brand, and you need to invest in it. In this episode of The Bridgecast, Scott interviews Patrick Kelley, Distinguished Architect at Zoom, who shares insights on optimizing online meetings and video conferencing. Patrick — also known as The Tattooed Nerd — discusses his background in technology, his role at Zoom, and the importance of audio and video quality in virtual communication. He’s an expert on the tools you likely use daily to communicate with peers, customers, and prospects. He provides practical tips for improving meeting etiquette, lighting, and background setup, emphasizing the need for both employees and employers to invest in quality equipment. Zoom helps people stay connected so they can get more done together. They set out on a mission to make video communications frictionless and secure by building the world’s best video product for the enterprise, but they didn’t stop there. With products like AI Companion, Team Chat, Contact Center, Phone, Events, Rooms, Webinar, Contact Center, and more, they bring innovation to a wide variety of customers, from the conference room to the classroom, from doctor’s offices to financial institutions to government agencies, from global brands to small businesses. Topics discussed in this episode: · Why practice and preparation are essential for effective communication. · Why preparation is key to successful presentations. · Why employers should invest in quality equipment for employees. · How every generation communicates differently in the workplace, and we need to adapt to each style. · Why audio quality is the most important aspect of video calls. · How lighting can significantly enhance video quality. · How personal backgrounds can reflect individual brands in meetings. o Why virtual backgrounds can detract from personal branding. · How a good camera can make a significant difference in video quality. · Why Investing in a decent microphone is affordable and impactful. · Leadership lessons Patrick has learned along the way. · Future predictions regarding AI. About Patrick Kelley Chief Technology Evangelist, Top 50 UCaaS Influencer, Published Author, Distinguished Architect, Public Speaker, Story Teller, Content Creator, Marketer, Sales Enablement Leader, and Donut Lover. I help lead competitive enablement discussions with our customers. Lead content creator Sales Enablement Leader Pre-Sales Engineer Lead Public Speaker Master of Ceremonies Strategic Integration Leader Technology Storyteller Master of Webinars The guy that answers the question “So who can lead this effort perfectly?” Contact Patrick Youtube. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAi8mVZlMS_9Mk2_R41VZWw LinkedIn. https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-kelley-zoom/ Twitter. https://x.com/pkelley27…
Have you ever noticed that being an entrepreneur and an IT leader require nearly the same skills? On this episode of the Bridgecast, Scott sits down with Ryan DiRocco, CTO of Performive . We explore that intersection and how experience and mentorship play critical roles in both realms. We discuss why mentorship is essential—not just when you lack specific skills but even when you think you’ve covered them. It's a lot like using an MSP to deliver a product. Sure, you could go it alone, but sometimes it's worth paying more to avoid costly mistakes. Like an MSP, mentorship can save you time, money, and headaches. Ryan discusses his extensive background in technology, the evolution of Performive, and the importance of customer service in tech solutions. He also shares insights on navigating the mid-market landscape, the role of VMware, and the significance of leveraging hyper scalers and Desktop as a Service (DaaS) for business efficiency. The conversation also touches on lessons learned from past experiences and predictions for the future of IT infrastructure. Performive partners with growing mid-sized companies by delivering secure, VMware-based cloud solutions, on-demand engineering resources, and 24/7/365 Devoted Customer Support. They meet their customers’ needs through VMware cloud solutions, data protection, and managed security services. With a consistent global platform to leverage, these medium-sized businesses now have access to solutions that simplify their day-to-day operations. Their customers’ internal IT teams are now entirely focused on driving innovation and business solutions in this demanding, ever-changing, technology-focused era. Topics discussed in this episode: · Why experience is invaluable in navigating business challenges and how mentorship can guide entrepreneurs. · Why understanding customer pain points is crucial for success. · Why the mid-market has unique challenges that require tailored solutions. · Why VMware plays a significant role in many mid-market organizations. · Why cost control is essential in managing IT budgets. · How DaaS can provide predictable costs and security for organizations. · How leveraging hyperscalers can optimize workload management. · Why redundancy in infrastructure is critical to avoid failures. · Why customer service should be at the core of technology offerings. About Ryan DiRocco Ryan DiRocco is an expert in networking and enterprise operations with more than two decades of experience within the IT and managed services sector. He brings deep knowledge in virtualized environment architectures, efficiencies, and operations to lead the Performive technical teams. Having built a solid foundation within the managed services space, Ryan’s experience and dedication is a key component of the Performive team. The smooth operation of Performives’ global workloads is Ryan’s chief goal. Additionally, he guides engineering and technical product development across the brand. Contact Ryan Web. https://performive.com LinkedIn. https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-dirocco-5453447/…
Welcome to Player FM!
Player FM is scanning the web for high-quality podcasts for you to enjoy right now. It's the best podcast app and works on Android, iPhone, and the web. Signup to sync subscriptions across devices.